From The Blog

Members Raise Over $100,000 for Local Humanitarian Efforts

The Kiawah Cares Foundation’s first annual Humanitarian Aid Fundraising Campaign generated just over $100,000 in donations to fund a variety of powerful programs addressing hunger, housing and wellness for the young and old in 2019.

“We know our Kiawah community members are eager to support humanitarian efforts, but we were absolutely blown away by the immense generosity that this campaign generated.”

This campaign was a comprehensive effort to address a wide range of needs on neighboring Johns and Wadmalaw islands. “We have relationships with local nonprofit partners who we trust and who are exceptionally worthy beneficiaries,” said Kiawah Cares’ Holly Newman. “We know our Kiawah community members are eager to support humanitarian efforts, but we were absolutely
blown away by the immense generosity that this campaign generated. We are so proud of our community and the positive local impact we will be able to make in 2019!”

The goal was to raise $60,000 in six weeks to fund a set of foundational Sea Island humanitarian efforts, as well as provide resources to mobilize quickly when worthy needs require immediate support. “Donations came in so rapidly in the last week of December, that we didn’t realize how dramatically this campaign would surpass our goal,” exclaimed Newman.

When the campaign concluded, donations amounted to a total of $104,000. Kiawah Cares will be able to continue funding programs like Meals on Wheels (reducing hunger and supporting seniors), the Community Home Improvement Project (providing home repair to those in need), Made with Love (bringing comfort to veterans, students and seniors), the Barrier Islands Little League and Going Places (promoting recreational opportunities for youth). The foundation is also well positioned to
support new urgent needs and emerging initiatives.

For Barrier Islands Little League, Kiawah Cares will sponsor two teams, the Kiawah Bobcats. This sponsorship will give 16 children the chance to participate. Kiawah Cares is committed to supporting their future expansion, and will fund the replacement of equipment that was recently stolen. The Community Home Improvement Project (CHIP) coordinates critical home repairs for Sea Island residents in need. Kiawah Cares will provide funding for CHIP to purchase materials for repairs. Often homes have been damaged by storms, or age has created significant livability issues.

Going Places’ mission is to provide disadvantaged kids with their most basic childhood right – the right to joy. Kiawah Cares has the exciting opportunity to fund a donation of 135 bicycles to be given to every student at Frierson Elementary School on Wadmalaw Island. This massive surprise giveaway is slated for May.

Kiawah Cares helps fund daily meals for seniors through Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels currently serves daily meals to 38 seniors on the Sea Islands and the number is climbing.

Finally, Kiawah Cares will continue to support a special group of local crafters, known as Made with Love. This group works tirelessly making hundreds of handmade goods that provide comfort to students, teachers, families, and pet rescues.

Learn more about Kiawah Cares’ impact and programs at kiawahcares.org.